Changeable electrode polarity stimulation by an implantable medical device

ABSTRACT

We disclose a method of treating a medical condition in a patient using an implantable medical device including coupling at least a first electrode and a second electrode to a cranial nerve of the patient, providing a programmable electrical signal generator coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, generating a first electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the first electrical signal to the electrodes, wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode, generating a second electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the second electrical signal to the electrodes, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, generating a third electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, and applying the third electrical signal to the electrodes. Each of the electrical signals can independently contain one or more pulses or one or more bursts. The number of pulses need not be equal between any two of the electrical signals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to medical devices, and, more particularly, to methods, apparatus, and systems for performing electrical signal therapy by a medical device.

2. Description of the Related Art

There have been many improvements over the last several decades in medical treatments for disorders of the nervous system, such as epilepsy and other motor disorders, and abnormal neural discharge disorders. One of the more recently available treatments involves the application of an electrical signal to reduce various symptoms or effects caused by such neural disorders. For example, electrical signals have been successfully applied at strategic locations in the human body to provide various benefits, including reducing occurrences of seizures and/or improving or ameliorating other conditions. A particular example of such a treatment regimen involves applying an electrical signal to the vagus nerve of the human body to reduce or eliminate epileptic seizures, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,702,254, 4,867,164, and 5,025,807 to Dr. Jacob Zabara, which are hereby incorporated in this specification in their entirety by reference.

More generally, the endogenous electrical activity (i.e., activity attributable to the natural functioning of the patient's own body) of a neural structure of a patient may be modulated in a variety of ways. In particular, the electrical activity may be modulated by exogenously applied (i.e., from a source other than the patient's own body) electrical, chemical, or mechanical signals applied to the neural structure. The modulation (hereinafter referred to generally as “neurostimulation” or “neuromodulation”) may involve the induction of afferent action potentials, efferent action potentials, or both, in the neural structure, and may also involve blocking or interrupting the transmission of endogenous electrical activity traveling along the nerve. Electrical signal therapy or electrical modulation of a neural structure (also known as “electrical signal therapy”) refers to the application of an exogenous therapeutic electrical signal (as opposed to a chemical or mechanical signal), to the neural structure. Electrical signal therapy may be provided by implanting an electrical device underneath the skin of a patient and delivering an electrical signal to a nerve such as a cranial nerve. The electrical signal therapy may involve performing a detection step, with the electrical signal being delivered in response to a detected body parameter. This type of stimulation is generally referred to as “active,” “feedback,” or “triggered” stimulation. Alternatively, the system may operate without a detection system once the patient has been diagnosed with epilepsy (or another medical condition), and may periodically apply a series of electrical pulses to the nerve (e.g., a cranial nerve such as a vagus nerve) intermittently throughout the day, or over another predetermined time interval. This type of stimulation is generally referred to as “passive,” “non-feedback,” or “prophylactic,” stimulation. The stimulation may be applied by an implantable medical device that is implanted within the patient's body.

A number of medical conditions that are amenable to electrical signal therapy via cranial nerve stimulation present symptoms in regions outside the brain. For example, disorders of the neurological system, the gastrointestinal system, the pancreas, or the kidneys feature impaired or improper function of those organs. Diabetes, particularly type I diabetes, often features impaired production of insulin by the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Electrical signal stimulation of either the brain alone or the organ alone may have some efficacy in treating such medical conditions, but may lack maximal efficacy.

Therefore, a need exists for apparatus and methods for performing electrical signal stimulation of both the brain and an organ outside the brain. A need also exists for apparatus and methods for performing electrical signal stimulation with increased efficacy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of treating a medical condition in a patient using an implantable medical device including coupling at least a first electrode and a second electrode to a cranial nerve of the patient, providing a programmable electrical signal generator coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, generating a first electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the first electrical signal to the electrodes, wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode, generating a second electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the second electrical signal to the electrodes, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, generating a third electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, and applying the third electrical signal to the electrodes.

Each of the electrical signals can independently contain one or more pulses or one or more bursts. The number of pulses need not be equal between any two of the electrical signals.

In one aspect, in a method of neuromodulation effected by delivery to a cranial nerve of an electrical signal characterized by a number of electrical pulses, the present invention relates to an improvement including delivering a first electrical signal using a first electrode as a cathode and a second electrode as an anode; reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode; delivering a second electrical signal using the first electrode and the second electrode; reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode; and delivering a third electrical signal using the first electrode and the second electrode.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for treating a medical condition in a patient, comprising at least two electrodes coupled to at least one cranial nerve of a patient, and an implantable device operatively coupled to the electrodes and comprising an electrical signal generator capable of applying an electrical signal to the cranial nerve using the electrodes to treat the medical condition and an electrode polarity reversal unit capable of reversibly reversing the configuration of the electrodes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIGS. 1A-1C provide stylized diagrams of an implantable medical device implanted into a patient's body for providing an electrical signal to a portion of the patient's body, in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram depiction of the implantable medical device of FIG. 1, in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram depiction of an electrode polarity reversal unit shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart depiction of a method for performing limited patient-initiated electrical signal therapy, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart depiction of a method for performing limited patient-initiated electrical signal therapy, in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described herein. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. In the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the design-specific goals, which will vary from one implementation to another. It will be appreciated that such a development effort, while possibly complex and time-consuming, would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for persons of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “includes” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either a direct or an indirect electrical connection. “Direct contact,” “direct attachment,” or providing a “direct coupling” indicates that a surface of a first element contacts the surface of a second element with no substantial attenuating medium there between. The presence of small quantities of substances, such as bodily fluids, that do not substantially attenuate electrical connections does not vitiate direct contact. The word “or” is used in the inclusive sense (i.e., “and/or”) unless a specific use to the contrary is explicitly stated.

The term “electrode” or “electrodes” described herein may refer to one or more stimulation electrodes (i.e., electrodes for delivering an electrical signal generated by an IMD to a tissue), sensing electrodes (i.e., electrodes for sensing a physiological indication of a patient's body), and/or electrodes that are capable of delivering a stimulation signal, as well as performing a sensing function.

Cranial nerve stimulation, such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), has been proposed to treat a number of medical conditions pertaining to or mediated by one or more structures of the nervous system of the body, including epilepsy and other movement disorders, depression, anxiety disorders and other neuropsychiatric disorders, dementia, head trauma, coma, migraine headache, obesity, eating disorders, sleep disorders, cardiac disorders (such as congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation), hypertension, endocrine disorders (such as diabetes and hypoglycemia), and pain, among others. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,867,164; 5,299,569; 5,269,303; 5,571,150; 5,215,086; 5,188,104; 5,263,480; 6,587,719; 6,609,025; 5,335,657; 6,622,041; 5,916,239; 5,707,400; 5,231,988; and 5,330,515. Despite the numerous disorders for which cranial nerve stimulation has been proposed or suggested as a treatment option, the fact that detailed neural pathways for many (if not all) cranial nerves remain relatively unknown, makes predictions of efficacy for any given disorder difficult or impossible. Moreover, even if such pathways were known, the precise stimulation parameters that would modulate particular pathways relevant to a particular disorder generally cannot be predicted.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a medical condition. The medical condition can be selected from the group consisting of epilepsy, neuropsychiatric disorders (including but not limited to depression), eating disorders/obesity, traumatic brain injury/coma, addiction disorders, dementia, sleep disorders, pain, migraine, endocrine/pancreatic disorders (including but not limited to diabetes), motility disorders, hypertension, congestive heart failure/cardiac capillary growth, hearing disorders, angina, syncope, vocal cord disorders, thyroid disorders, pulmonary disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disorders, and reproductive endocrine disorders (including infertility).

In a further embodiment, the medical condition is selected from the group consisting of gastrointestinal disorders, pancreatic disorders, kidney disorders, and diabetes.

Although not so limited, a system capable of implementing embodiments of the present invention is described below. FIGS. 1A-1C depict a stylized implantable medical system 100 for implementing one or more embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an electrical signal generator 110 having main body 112 comprising a case or shell 121 (FIG. 1B) with a header 116 (FIGS. 1A, 1B) for connecting to leads 122. The generator 110 is implanted in the patient's chest in a pocket or cavity formed by the implanting surgeon just below the skin (indicated by a line 145, FIG. 1A), similar to the implantation procedure for a pacemaker pulse generator.

A stimulating nerve electrode assembly 125, preferably comprising at least an electrode pair, is conductively connected to the distal end of an insulated, electrically conductive lead assembly 122, which preferably comprises a pair of lead wires (one wire for each electrode of an electrode pair). Lead assembly 122 is attached at its proximal end to connectors on the header 116 (FIG. 1B) on case 121. The electrode assembly 125 may be surgically coupled to a cranial nerve, such as vagus nerve 127 in the patient's neck or head or at another location, e.g., near the patient's diaphragm. Other cranial nerves, such as the trigeminal nerve may also be used to deliver the therapeutic electrical signal. The electrode assembly 125 preferably comprises a bipolar stimulating electrode pair 125-1, 125-2 (FIG. 1C), such as the electrode pair described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,481 issued Mar. 4, 1986 to Bullara. Suitable electrode assemblies are available from Cyberonics, Inc., Houston, Tex., USA as the Model 302 electrode assembly. However, persons of skill in the art will appreciate that many electrode designs could be used in the present invention, including unipolar electrodes. Returning to FIGS. 1A and 1C, the two electrodes are preferably wrapped about the cranial nerve (e.g., vagus nerve 127), and the electrode assembly 125 may be secured to the nerve by a spiral anchoring tether 128 (FIG. 1C) such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,511 issued Dec. 25, 1990 to Reese S. Terry, Jr. and assigned to the same assignee as the instant application. Lead assembly 122 is secured, while retaining the ability to flex with movement of the chest and neck, by a suture connection 130 to nearby tissue (FIG. 1C).

In one embodiment, the open helical design of the electrode assembly 125 (described in detail in the above-cited Bullara patent), which is self-sizing and flexible, minimizes mechanical trauma to the nerve and allows body fluid interchange with the nerve. The electrode assembly 125 preferably conforms to the shape of the nerve, providing a low stimulation threshold by allowing a large stimulation contact area with the nerve. Structurally, the electrode assembly 125 comprises two electrode ribbons (not shown), of a conductive material such as platinum, iridium, platinum-iridium alloys, and/or oxides of the foregoing. The electrode ribbons are individually bonded to an inside surface of an elastomeric body portion of the two spiral electrodes 125-1 and 125-2 (FIG. 1C), which may comprise two spiral loops of a three-loop helical assembly. The lead assembly 122 may comprise two distinct lead wires or a coaxial cable whose two conductive elements are respectively coupled to one of the conductive electrode ribbons. One suitable method of coupling the lead wires or cable to the electrodes 125-1, 125-2 comprises a spacer assembly such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,778, although other known coupling techniques may be used.

The elastomeric body portion of each loop is preferably composed of silicone rubber, and the third loop 128 (which typically has no electrode) acts as the anchoring tether for the electrode assembly 125.

The electrical pulse generator 110 may be programmed with an external computer 150 using programming software of a type known in the art for stimulating neural structures, or other suitable software based on the description herein, and a programming wand 155 to facilitate radio frequency (RF) communication between the computer 150 (FIG. 1A) and the pulse generator 110. The wand 155 and software permit wireless, non-invasive communication with the generator 110 after the latter is implanted. The wand 155 is preferably powered by internal batteries, and provided with a “power on” light to indicate sufficient power for communication. Another indicator light may be provided to show that data transmission is occurring between the wand and the generator.

A variety of stimulation therapies may be provided in implantable medical systems 100 of the present invention. Different types of nerve fibers (e.g., A, B, and C-fibers being different fibers targeted for stimulation) respond differently to stimulation from electrical signals. More specifically, the different types of nerve fibers have different conduction velocities and stimulation thresholds and, therefore, differ in their responsiveness to stimulation. Certain pulses of an electrical stimulation signal, for example, may be below the stimulation threshold for a particular fiber and, therefore, may generate no action potential in the fiber. Thus, smaller or narrower pulses may be used to avoid stimulation of certain nerve fibers (such as C-fibers) and target other nerve fibers (such as A and/or B fibers, which generally have lower stimulation thresholds and higher conduction velocities than C-fibers). Additionally, techniques such as pre-polarization may be employed wherein particular nerve regions may be polarized before a more robust stimulation is delivered, which may better accommodate particular electrode materials. Furthermore, opposing polarity phases separated by a zero current phase may be used to excite particular axons or postpone nerve fatigue during long term stimulation.

As used herein, the terms “stimulating” and “stimulator” may generally refer to delivery of a signal, stimulus, or impulse to neural tissue for affecting neuronal activity of a neural tissue (e.g., a volume of neural tissue in the brain or a nerve). The effect of such stimulation on neuronal activity is termed “modulation”; however, for simplicity, the terms “stimulating” and “modulating”, and variants thereof, are sometimes used interchangeably herein. The effect of delivery of the stimulation signal to the neural tissue may be excitatory or inhibitory and may potentiate acute and/or long-term changes in neuronal activity. For example, the effect of “stimulating” or “modulating” a neural tissue may comprise one or more of the following effects: (a) changes in neural tissue to initiate an action potential (bi-directional or uni-directional); (b) inhibition of conduction of action potentials (endogenous or externally stimulated) or blocking the conduction of action potentials (hyperpolarizing or collision blocking), (c) affecting changes in neurotransmitter/neuromodulator release or uptake, and (d) changes in neuro-plasticity or neurogenesis of brain tissue. Applying an electrical signal to an autonomic nerve may comprise generating a response that includes an afferent action potential, an efferent action potential, an afferent hyperpolarization, an efferent hyperpolarization, an afferent sub-threshold depolarization, and/or an efferent sub-threshold depolarization.

In one embodiment, the stimulation method includes the steps of generating a first electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the first electrical signal to the electrodes, wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode, generating a second electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the second electrical signal to the electrodes, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, generating a third electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, and applying the third electrical signal to the electrodes.

In one embodiment, the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal are substantially identical. In another embodiment, the first electrical signal may vary from the second electrical signal, the third electrical signal, or both in terms of one or more of pulse width, number of pulses, amplitude, frequency, stimulation on-time, and stimulation off-time, among other parameters.

The first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal are described herein in terms of exemplary illustrations. The person of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the present disclosure would appreciate that more than three electrical signals, up to an nth electrical signal, can be used and are within the scope of the present invention.

“Cathode” and “anode” have their standard meanings, as the electrode at which current leaves the IMD system and the electrode at which current enters the IMD system, respectively. Reversing the polarity of the electrodes can be effected by any switching technique known in the art.

A “pulse” is used herein to refer to a single application of electrical charge from the cathode to the cranial nerve. Individual pulses are separated by a time period in which no charge is delivered to the nerve, which can be called the “interpulse interval.” A “burst” is used herein to refer to a plurality of pulses, wherein no charge is delivered to the nerve before the first pulse of the burst for a time period at least twice as long as the interpulse interval and no charge is delivered to the nerve after the last pulse of the burst for a time period at least twice as long as the interpulse interval. The time period between the end of the last pulse of a first burst and the initiation of the first pulse of the next subsequent burst can be called the “interburst interval.” In one embodiment, the interburst interval is at least 100 msec.

A plurality of pulses can refer to any of (a) a number of consecutive pulses within a burst, (b) all the pulses of a burst, or (c) a number of consecutive pulses including the final pulse of a first burst and the first pulse of the next subsequent burst.

Each of the first, second, and third electrical signals can independently contain one or more pulses. In one embodiment, the first electrical signal contains one or more pulses, the second electrical signal contains one or more pulses, and the third electrical signal contains one or more pulses. In a further embodiment, the first electrical signal contains one pulse, the second electrical signal contains one pulse, and the third electrical signal contains one pulse.

The number of pulses contained within the first and second electrical signals or the second and third electrical signals need not be equal, and can be in any ratio. In one embodiment, the ratio is from about 1:100 to about 100:1. In a further embodiment, the ratio is from about 1:10 to about 10:1.

In one embodiment, the first electrical signal contains a first number of pulses, the second electrical signal contains a second number of pulses, and the third electrical signal contains a third number of pulses, wherein the first number of pulses is not equal to the second number of pulses or the second number of pulses is not equal to the third number of pulses.

In another embodiment, the first electrical signal contains one or more bursts, the second electrical signal contains one or more bursts, and the third electrical signal contains one or more bursts. In a further embodiment, the first electrical signal contains one burst, the second electrical signal contains one burst, and the third electrical signal contains one burst.

The number of bursts contained within the first and second electrical signals or the second and third electrical signals need not be equal, and can be in any ratio. In one embodiment, the ratio is from about 1:100 to about 100:1. In a further embodiment, the ratio is from about 1:10 to about 10:1.

In one embodiment, the first electrical signal contains a first number of bursts, the second electrical signal contains a second number of bursts, and the third electrical signal contains a third number of bursts, wherein the first number of bursts is not equal to the second number of bursts or the second number of bursts is not equal to the third number of bursts.

Typical cranial nerve stimulation can be performed with an interpulse frequency of 20-30 Hz (resulting in a number of pulses per burst of 140-1800, at a burst duration from 7-60 sec). In one embodiment, at least one of the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal delivers microbursts. Microburst neurostimulation is discussed by U.S. Ser. No. 11/693,451, filed Mar. 2, 2007 and published as United States patent Publication No. 20070233193, and incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, at least one of the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal is characterized by having a number of pulses per microburst from 2 pulses to about 25 pulses, an interpulse interval of about 2 msec to about 50 msec, an interburst period of at least 100 msec, and a microburst duration of less than about 1 sec.

As stated above, different fiber types of cranial nerves propagate action potentials at different velocities. In one embodiment of the method, after performance of a prior applying step, the subsequent applying step is performed before an action potential induced by the prior applying step in C-fibers of the cranial nerve reaches the anode of the subsequent applying step and after an action potential induced by the prior applying step in A-fibers of the cranial nerve has passed the anode of the subsequent applying step. As a result, in this embodiment, an action potential induced in the A-fibers in the prior applying step can propagate along the nerve in the direction from the cathode of the prior applying step to the anode of the prior applying step and beyond to the brain or the distal terminus of the cranial nerve. Whereas, an action potential induced in the C-fibers in the prior applying step, though originally propagating along the nerve in the direction from the cathode of the prior applying step to the anode of the prior applying step, can be blocked by an electrical stimulation performed at the anode of the subsequent applying step, which was the cathode of the prior applying step. To generalize, by performing this method, particular fiber types in the cranial nerve can be selectively stimulated to propagate an action potential to either the proximal terminus (i.e., the brain) or distal terminus of the cranial nerve.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a block diagram depiction of an implantable medical device, in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The IMD 200 may be coupled to various leads, e.g., 122 (FIGS. 1A, 1C). Stimulation signals used for therapy may be transmitted from the IMD 200 to target areas of the patient's body, specifically to various electrodes associated with the leads 122. Stimulation signals from the IMD 200 may be transmitted via the leads 122 to stimulation electrodes (electrodes that apply the therapeutic electrical signal to the target tissue) associated with the electrode assembly 125, e.g., 125-1, 125-2 (FIG. 1A). Further, signals from sensor electrodes (electrodes that are used to sense one or more body parameters such as temperature, heart rate, brain activity, etc.) may also traverse the leads back to the IMD 200.

The IMD 200 may comprise a controller 210 capable of controlling various aspects of the operation of the IMD 200. The controller 210 is capable of receiving internal data and/or external data and controlling the generation and delivery of a stimulation signal to target tissues of the patient's body. For example, the controller 210 may receive manual instructions from an operator externally, or may perform stimulation based on internal calculations and programming. The controller 210 is capable of affecting substantially all functions of the IMD 200.

The controller 210 may comprise various components, such as a processor 215, a memory 217, etc. The processor 215 may comprise one or more micro controllers, micro processors, etc., that are capable of executing a variety of software components. The memory 217 may comprise various memory portions, where a number of types of data (e.g., internal data, external data instructions, software codes, status data, diagnostic data, etc.) may be stored. The memory 217 may store various tables or other database content that could be used by the IMD 200 to implement the override of normal operations. The memory 217 may comprise random access memory (RAM) dynamic random access memory (DRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, etc.

The IMD 200 may also comprise a stimulation unit 220. The stimulation unit 220 is capable of generating and delivering a variety of electrical signal therapy signals to one or more electrodes via leads. The stimulation unit 220 is capable of delivering a programmed, primary mode electrical signal to the leads 122 coupled to the IMD 200. The electrical signal may be delivered to the leads 122 by the stimulation unit 220 based upon instructions from the controller 210. The stimulation unit 220 may comprise various types of circuitry, such as stimulation signal generators, impedance control circuitry to control the impedance “seen” by the leads, and other circuitry that receives instructions relating to the type of stimulation to be performed.

The IMD 200 may also comprise an electrode polarity reversal unit 280. The electrode polarity reversal unit 280 is capable of reversing the polarity of electrodes associated with the electrode assembly 125. The electrode polarity reversal unit 280 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3. In preferred embodiments, the electrode polarity reversal unit is capable of reversing electrode polarity rapidly, i.e., in about 10 microseconds or less, and in any event at a sufficiently rapid rate to permit electrode polarities to be changed between adjacent pulses in a pulsed electrical signal.

The IMD 200 may also comprise a power supply 230. The power supply 230 may comprise a battery, voltage regulators, capacitors, etc., to provide power for the operation of the IMD 200, including delivering the stimulation signal. The power supply 230 comprises a power-source battery that in some embodiments may be rechargeable. In other embodiments, a non-rechargeable battery may be used. The power supply 230 provides power for the operation of the IMD 200, including electronic operations and the stimulation function. The power supply 230, may comprise a lithium/thionyl chloride cell or a lithium/carbon monofluoride (LiCFx) cell. Other battery types known in the art of implantable medical devices may also be used.

The IMD 200 also comprises a communication unit 260 capable of facilitating communications between the IMD 200 and various devices. In particular, the communication unit 260 is capable of providing transmission and reception of electronic signals to and from an external unit 270. The external unit 270 may be a device that is capable of programming various modules and stimulation parameters of the IMD 200. In one embodiment, the external unit 270 comprises a computer system that is capable of executing a data-acquisition program. The external unit 270 may be controlled by a healthcare provider, such as a physician, at a base station in, for example, a doctor's office. The external unit 270 may be a computer, preferably a handheld computer or PDA, but may alternatively comprise any other device that is capable of electronic communications and programming. The external unit 270 may download various parameters and program software into the IMD 200 for programming the operation of the implantable device. The external unit 270 may also receive and upload various status conditions and other data from the IMD 200. The communication unit 260 may be hardware, software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof. Communications between the external unit 270 and the communication unit 260 may occur via a wireless or other type of communication, illustrated generally by line 275 in FIG. 2.

In one embodiment, the communication unit 260 can transmit a log of stimulation data to the patient, a physician, or another party.

The IMD 200 is capable of delivering stimulation that can be intermittent, periodic, random, sequential, coded, and/or patterned. The stimulation signals may comprise an electrical stimulation frequency of approximately 01 to 2500 Hz. The stimulation signals may comprise a pulse width in the range of approximately 1-2000 micro-seconds. The stimulation signals may comprise current amplitude in the range of approximately 0.1 mA to 10 mA. The stimulation delivered by the IMD 200 according to its programming may be referred to herein as “normal operations” or as a “normal operating mode.”

The IMD 200 may also comprise a magnetic field detection unit 290. The magnetic field detection unit 290 is capable of detecting magnetic and/or electromagnetic fields of a predetermined magnitude. Whether the magnetic field results from a magnet placed proximate to the IMD 200, or whether it results from a substantial magnetic field encompassing an area, the magnetic field detection unit 290 is capable of informing the IMD of the existence of a magnetic field. The changeable electrode polarity stimulation described herein may be activated, deactivated, or alternatively activated or deactivated using a magnetic input.

The magnetic field detection unit 290 may comprise various sensors, such as a Reed Switch circuitry, a Hall Effect sensor circuitry, and/or the like. The magnetic field detection unit 290 may also comprise various registers and/or data transceiver circuits that are capable of sending signals that are indicative of various magnetic fields, the time period of such fields, etc. In this manner, the magnetic field detection unit 290 is capable of detecting whether the detected magnetic field relates to an inhibitory input or an excitory input from an external source. The inhibitory input may refer to an inhibition of, or a deviation from, normal stimulation operation. The excitory input may refer to additional stimulation or deviation from normal stimulation.

One or more of the blocks illustrated in the block diagram of the IMD 200 in FIG. 2, may comprise hardware units, software units, firmware units, or any combination thereof. Additionally, one or more blocks illustrated in FIG. 2 may be combined with other blocks, which may represent circuit hardware units, software algorithms, etc. Additionally, one or more of the circuitry and/or software units associated with the various blocks illustrated in FIG. 2 may be combined into a programmable device, such as a field programmable gate array, an ASIC device, etc.

FIG. 3 shows in greater detail the electrode polarity reversal unit 280 (FIG. 2). The electrode polarity reversal unit 280 comprises an electrode configuration switching unit 340, which includes a switching controller 345. The switching controller 345 transmits signals to one or more switches, generically, n switches 330(1), 330(2), . . . 330(n) which effect the switching of the configuration of two or more electrodes, generically, n electrodes 125(1), 125(2), . . . 125(n). Although FIG. 3 shows equal numbers of switches 330 and electrodes 125, the person of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure will understand that the number of switches 330 and their connections with the various electrodes 125 can be varied as a matter of routine optimization. A switching timing unit 333 can signal to the electrode configuration switching unit 340 that a desired time for switching the electrode configuration has been reached.

Instructions for implementing a series of predetermined and/or programmable stimulation regimens may be stored in the IMD 200. These stimulation regimens may include data relating to the type of bidirectional stimulation to be implemented. For example, a first stimulation regimen may call for a particular type of pulse signal in one direction and having one electrode polarity configuration (e.g., an electrical signal in which action potentials to the brain are not blocked, and in which action potentials to a distal terminus of the nerve are partially or completely blocked or inhibited), followed by a plurality of microburst type signals during the normal off-time and delivered in the other direction (e.g., with the electrode polarities reversed such that action potentials to the brain are partially or completely blocked or inhibited, but action potentials to the distal terminus of the nerve are not blocked or inhibited). A second exemplary stimulation regimen may call for a series of pulses in a first direction, followed by an off-time, and then followed by a series of pulses in the opposite direction. A third exemplary stimulation regimen may call for switching electrode polarity in a 2-electrode configuration after each pulse, such that propagation of action potentials in each direction are sequentially permitted and then at least partially blocked, then permitted again in alternating sequence. In other embodiments, multiple pulses may be generated in a first electrode configuration, followed by switching electrode polarity to a second electrode configuration for one or a few pulses, followed by switching polarity back to the first electrode configuration. Information relating to the stimulation regimens may be used by the electrode polarity reversal unit 280 to control the operations of the first through nth switches 330(1-n).

In one embodiment, each of a plurality of stimulation regimens may respectively relate to a particular disorder. In one embodiment, different regimens relating to the same disorder may be implemented to accommodate improvements or regressions in the patient's present condition relative to his or her condition at previous times. By providing flexibility in electrode configurations nearly instantaneously, the present invention greatly expands the range of adjustments that may be made to respond to changes in the patient's underlying medical condition.

The switching controller 345 may be a processor that is capable of receiving data relating to the stimulation regimens. In an alternative embodiment, the switching controller may be a software or a firmware module. Based upon the particulars of the stimulation regimens, the switching timing unit 333 may provide timing data to the switching controller 345. The first through nth switches 330(1-n) may be electrical devices, electromechanical devices, and/or solid state devices (e.g., transistors).

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a method of performing changeable electrode polarity stimulation according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the IMD 200 has a first normal stimulation mode in which it performs single polarity stimulation 410, i.e., stimulation in which only one electrode 125 of the IMD 200 is the cathode for delivery of electrical signals to the cranial nerve such as vagus nerve 127, and in which the electrode polarities are only changed by manual programming. At predetermined times during performance of single polarity stimulation 410, the IMD 200 checks 420 whether a signal to enter a changeable electrode polarity stimulation mode has been received. The signal to enter a changeable electrode polarity stimulation mode can be received, by way of nonlimiting examples, from the controller 210 (FIG. 2), from a sensor or sensors implanted in or on the patient's body which detect(s) one or more bodily parameters (e.g., heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, etc.), from a medical practitioner communicating with the device via wand 155 (FIG. 1), or a medical practitioner or patient using a magnet to provide a signal via the magnetic field detection unit 290. Regardless of the nature of the signal, if the IMD 200 does not detect it when checking 420, the IMD reverts to single polarity stimulation 410.

However, if the signal is received, the IMD 200 then implements a changeable electrode polarity stimulation mode shown in steps 430-460. Specifically, the IMD 200 delivers 430 a first predetermined number of pulses in a first polarity configuration of the electrodes. For an example, a first electrode 125(1) may be the cathode and a second electrode 125(2) may be the anode in step 430. After the first predetermined number of pulses are delivered in the first configuration (step 430), the IMD 200 reverses 440 the polarity of the electrodes to a second polarity configuration. Continuing the example, the first electrode 125(1) may be switched to be the anode and the second electrode 125(2) may be switched to be the cathode. It will be appreciated that, where 3 or more electrodes are used, only some of the electrode polarities may be reversed. Step 450 resembles step 430, though it will be noted the second electrode polarity configuration differs from the first electrode polarity configuration, and the second predetermined number of pulses may differ in number of pulses or other stimulation parameters (pulse frequency, pulse width, On Time, Off Time, interpulse interval, number of pulses per burst, or interburst interval, among others) from the first predetermined number of pulses. Step 460 resembles step 440, though it will be noted it reverts the configuration of the electrodes to the first electrode polarity configuration as in step 430.

After steps 430-460 have been performed, the IMD 200 checks 470 whether a signal to discontinue the changeable electrode polarity stimulation mode has been received. The signal to discontinue the changeable electrode polarity stimulation mode can be received from the same sources described above in the context of checking step 420. Regardless of the nature of the signal, if the IMD 200 does not detect the signal when performing checking step 470, the IMD 200 continues changeable electrode polarity stimulation by returning to step 430. If the signal is detected when performing checking step 470, the IMD 200 reverts to single polarity stimulation 410.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a method according to the present invention. The method comprises steps 530-560, which resemble steps 430-460 shown in FIG. 4. The method shown in FIG. 5 does not include single polarity stimulation; after the second reversal step 560 is performed, the IMD 200 continues changeable electrode polarity stimulation by returning to step 530.

In the methods shown in FIGS. 4-5, one or more of the properties of the first predetermined number of pulses (e.g., number of pulses, pulse frequency, pulse width, On time, Off time, interpulse interval, number of pulses per burst, or interburst interval, among others) can be changed upon each performance of step 430 or 530. The properties can be varied in a preprogrammed fashion, following programming executed by the controller 210, or can be varied according to data retrieved from a sensor of a bodily parameter of the patient or in response to instructions received from a medical practitioner or the patient. Similarly, one or more of the properties of the second predetermined number of pulses can be changed upon each performance of step 450 or 550.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the claims below. It is, therefore, evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below. 

1. A method of treating a medical condition in a patient using an implantable medical device, comprising: coupling at least a first electrode and a second electrode to a cranial nerve of the patient, providing a programmable electrical signal generator coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, generating a first electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the first electrical signal to the electrodes, wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode, generating a second electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, applying the second electrical signal to the electrodes, reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode, generating a third electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, and applying the third electrical signal to the electrodes.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first electrical signal contains one or more pulses, the second electrical signal contains one or more pulses, and the third electrical signal contains one or more pulses.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first electrical signal contains one pulse, the second electrical signal contains one pulse, and the third electrical signal contains one pulse.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the first electrical signal contains a first number of pulses, the second electrical signal contains a second number of pulses, and the third electrical signal contains a third number of pulses, wherein the first number of pulses is not equal to the second number of pulses or the second number of pulses is not equal to the third number of pulses.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first electrical signal contains one or more bursts, the second electrical signal contains one or more bursts, and the third electrical signal contains one or more bursts.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first electrical signal contains one burst, the second electrical signal contains one burst, and the third electrical signal contains one burst.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the first electrical signal contains a first number of bursts, the second electrical signal contains a second number of bursts, and the third electrical signal contains a third number of bursts, wherein the first number of bursts is not equal to the second number of bursts or the second number of bursts is not equal to the third number of bursts.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal is characterized by having a number of pulses per microburst from 2 pulses to about 25 pulses, an interpulse interval of about 2 msec to about 50 msec, an interburst period of at least 100 msec, and a microburst duration of less than about 1 sec.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the medical condition is selected from the group consisting of neurological disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, pancreatic disorders, kidney disorders, and diabetes.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein, after performance of a prior applying step, the subsequent applying step is performed after an action potential induced by the prior applying step in A-fibers of the cranial nerve has passed the anode of the subsequent applying step and before an action potential induced by the prior applying step in C-fibers of the cranial nerve reaches the anode of the subsequent applying step.
 11. In a method of neuromodulation effected by delivery, using at least two electrodes, to a cranial nerve of an electrical signal characterized by a number of electrical pulses, the improvement comprising: delivering a first electrical signal using a first electrode as a cathode and a second electrode as an anode; reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode; delivering a second electrical signal using the first electrode and the second electrode; reversing the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode, yielding a configuration wherein the first electrode is a cathode and the second electrode is an anode; and delivering a third electrical signal using the first electrode and the second electrode.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first electrical signal contains a first number of pulses, the second electrical signal contains a second number of pulses, and the third electrical signal contains a third number of pulses, wherein the first number of pulses is not equal to the second number of pulses or the second number of pulses is not equal to the third number of pulses.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the first electrical signal contains one or more bursts, the second electrical signal contains one or more bursts, and the third electrical signal contains one or more bursts.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first electrical signal contains one burst, the second electrical signal contains one burst, and the third electrical signal contains one burst.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first electrical signal contains a first number of bursts, the second electrical signal contains a second number of bursts, and the third electrical signal contains a third number of bursts, wherein the first number of bursts is not equal to the second number of bursts or the second number of bursts is not equal to the third number of bursts.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal is characterized by having a number of pulses per microburst from 2 pulses to about 25 pulses, an interpulse interval of about 2 msec to about 50 msec, an interburst period of at least 100 msec, and a microburst duration of less than about 1 sec.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the neuromodulation treats a medical condition selected from the group consisting of neurological disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, pancreatic disorders, kidney disorders, and diabetes.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the cranial nerve is a vagus nerve.
 19. A system for treating a medical condition in a patient, comprising: at least two electrodes coupled to at least one cranial nerve of a patient, and an implantable device operatively coupled to the electrodes and comprising an electrical signal generator capable of applying an electrical signal to the cranial nerve using the electrodes to treat the medical condition and an electrode polarity reversal unit capable of reversibly reversing the configuration of the electrodes.
 20. An implantable medical device to treat a medical condition in a patient, comprising: two or more electrodes; a controller capable of receiving internal data and/or external data and generating and delivering a stimulation signal to target tissues of the patient's body; a stimulation unit capable of generating and delivering an electrical signal therapy signal to the two or more electrodes; and an electrode polarity reversal unit capable of reversing the polarity of the two or more electrodes.
 21. The implantable medical device of claim 20, wherein the electrode polarity reversal unit comprises: an electrode configuration switching unit comprising a switching controller; and one or more switches, wherein the switching controller transmits signals to the one or more switches. 